Aston Martin DB9 GT at Festival of Speed

Aston's "most compelling production 'DB' to date" adds more power and new infotainment to the trusty old DB9

Remember the Aston DB7 GT? Launched at the end of the DB7's life cycle, it was treated to a few upgrades over the Vantage to produce what was, by all accounts, the best DB7 that ever there was. It also looked damn sexy thanks to new wheels and a different grille from the standard V12. They're in demand now too, the two manual GTs on PH both more than £45K.

The last DB GT. Oh gosh.

So before we all crow on about how this DB9 looks so much like all the other DB9s, it's worth remembering that this could be the piece de resistance as far as this old stager goes. Which sounds pretty special, right?

Power from the 5.9-litre V12 is now 547hp at 6,750rpm, accompanied by 457lb ft at 5,500rpm. Disappointingly the eight-speed ZF auto now used in the Vanquish doesn't feature in the GT, this DB9 sticking with the six-speed 'box. Aston claims 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a 183mph top speed.

Inside the GT sees the introduction of 'AMi II', Aston's latest infotainment system. It builds on the original AMi first seen in the Vanquish but with improvements to text message integration, vehicle status info and the background themes. Cynics might suggest they aren't exactly far-reaching upgrades...

As with the DB7, the DB9 GT is distinguished by a few subtle visual tweaks over the standard car. See the black splitter and diffuser at the front, new 10-spoke 20-inch wheels, GT badges and slightly different lights front and rear. Aston's refreshed personalisation service means buyers can also opt for carbon tail light inserts (why?), new interior colours and a One-77 inspired wheel for their DB9.

What, you were expecting a transformation?

Interested? The DB9 GT is available to order now, with prices starting at £140,000. Its closest rival, as it has been for the past decade, is probably the Bentley Continental GT - a V8 is £140,300 and the W12 £150,500.

That's not all from Aston at Goodwood either, as it will also exhibit the 2016 MY Rapide S and V8 Vantage. There's "a raft of colour, trim and equipment enhancements", including the, er, AMi II infotainment system. Oh. That will be why it didn't seem such a major addition to the DB9.

The 2016 Vantage and Rapide S will be available from Q3 this year, with prices to follow shortly. Maybe now's the time to sneak in for a pre-facelift bargain? This V8 Vantage N430 has nearly £10K off the new price with just 1,000 miles and here's a Rapide S at less than £110K. The list is £147,950... More from Goodwood when we've seen 'em!